Blue Ridge Parkway - Am I insane??

[7rider]

Awesome. Thanks for the info. You guys are helping to allay my fears and just get me stoked!
I do have helmet lights...but they're more of the "be seen" variety, and wouldn't rely on the front one, anyway, for helping me see through tunnels. So, I intend to put my lights on the bike for the first few days (we're starting south, and riding north) when we hit all the tunnels. I understand there's only one in Virginia.
We'll be doing this ride in early September, as our intent was to get out ahead of the leaf-peepers.
We also intend to bring coolers and food and picnic for lunches (and possibly breakfast if we are so inclined and can't find a place for that.). We'll have two vans following us (one driven by a wife who doesn't ride - the other we'll have to split time driving - a half day for each rider). I am the only woman riding this trip. I had one friend who expressed an interest, but backed out early when she thought about the logistics.
BTW....how is cell phone coverage on the parkway?